Symptom 9: Increased Thirst and Frequent Urination
Imagine always feeling parched, no matter how much water you drink. It’s an incessant thirst that doesn’t seem to subside. For individuals with Cushing’s disease, this is a daily reality. But it’s not just the thirst; there’s also an unusual increase in the number of trips to the bathroom.
One might wonder how a hormone can affect one’s drinking habits. Cortisol has a significant influence on fluid balance in the body. Elevated cortisol levels disrupt the balance of another hormone, ADH or anti-diuretic hormone. With this balance out of sync, the kidneys begin excreting more water than usual, leading to increased thirst.
This imbalance isn’t just an inconvenience. Over time, chronic dehydration can take a toll. Kidney function, skin health, and even cognitive abilities can be impacted. There’s a chain reaction, with each affected system triggering issues in another. The frequent urination also means that essential minerals, like potassium, might be excreted in higher quantities, leading to other potential complications. (9)
